Responsible entities need to adopt and maintain a Risk Management Program (RMP) for their critical infrastructure asset(s). They must develop a process to identify critical workers and assess their suitability to access the critical infrastructure asset. They must specify this process within the RMP.
A responsible entity can nominate to use a background check to assist with this. It is not mandatory for a responsible entity to undertake a background check for their critical workers.
If a responsible entity chooses to undertake background checking through AusCheck for their critical workers, the responsible entity must refer to the critical worker in their RMP. They must also engage with AusCheck to complete on-boarding requirements prior to the start of background checks.
What AusCheck assesses
An AusCheck background check is a point-in-time check, based on information about a person provided on the day of application. The check consists of:
- identity verification
- a criminal record assessment by AusCheck using information collected by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC)
- a national security assessment by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)
- a 'right to work in Australia' check if a person holds an Australian Visa, conducted through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.
How long a background check takes
On average AusCheck finalises 80% of background checks within two weeks of receiving the application.
The cost of a background check
From 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2025, the cost of a background check in critical infrastructure will be $136.00 per application, or $55.87 if the applicant is under 18 years of age.
Choosing AusCheck to assess critical workers
There is no legislative requirement to use AusCheck. A responsible entity may choose to use an AusCheck background check.
Privacy provisions protecting critical workers
AusCheck will not provide personal details to a responsible entity without the person’s awareness and consent. This includes sensitive details about any adverse findings of the background check.
Critical workers have the opportunity to review the findings of their background check. They can decide to withdraw the application before the responsible entity receives the result. AusCheck will provide the
AusCheck Critical Infrastructure Privacy Notice at the point of application. The applicant should review the terms and conditions before proceeding with the application.
For more information, review the
Privacy Notice.
AusCheck critical infrastructure background checks
AusCheck background checks are now available. A responsible entity must have their RMP in place before a critical worker can apply for an AusCheck background check. The RMP needs to include the action they will take if a person has an adverse or qualified security assessment. Applicants must provide that specific information to AusCheck at the point of application.
Applying for an AusCheck background check
The individual, or the responsible entity on behalf of the critical worker, can apply for an AusCheck background check. A responsible entity can apply now on behalf of a critical worker by submitting information in the approved format. A critical worker can apply directly to AusCheck via the online Applicant Portal from 17 July 2023.
What an AusCheck background check looks like
AusCheck will respond with advice to the critical worker and the responsible entity at the same time. This only occurs once the background check is complete. The advice will include:
- the critical worker’s name and photo
- the date of application for the background check
- whether the critical worker has an unfavourable criminal history
- whether the critical worker has an adverse security assessment or qualified security assessment
- whether the critical worker holds a visa entitling the individual to work in Australia, and if so, the class of visa held.
AusCheck will assess the critical worker’s criminal history against the list of offences in Schedule 2 of the
AusCheck Regulations 2017.
If a responsible entity who receives advice that a critical worker has an unfavourable criminal history, or an adverse or qualified security assessment, they should refer to the RMP for the next action.
